Updated February 4, 2026
Background
Fayette County, Virginia (later Kentucky) was formed from Kentucky County, Virginia. One of the first three counties of Kentucky (with Lincoln and Jefferson Counties), it was created on 30 Jun 1780. Most records before 31 Jan 1803 were destroyed by fire. A second fire on 14 May 1897 also destroyed some early records.Overview
William and his son, Stark arrive in 1791 from Essex County, VA. An Essex deed dated 20 Jun 1791 states that "a William Gilliam living in and residing within the said District of Kentuckey"
Deed Book 33, 1786-1793, Essex County, Virginia, p306
At this same time he "disappears" the Essex County, VA Personal Property Tax lists.
Accompanying William and Stark was the family of William Taylor who had married William's daughter Hannah.
Marriages
Fayette Co., KY Marriage Records Vol. II 1810-1814
1 Dec 1805
Stark GILLIAM m. Polly ADAMS (widow)
John BOULWARE, bondsman;
18 May 1808
Richard BARRY m. Elizabeth TAYLOR
John CARTY, bondsman; Asa TAYLOR, father; Mary CARTY, witness
18 Aug 1808
Widow Thomas GILLIAM m. Nancy SHAVER
George LAY, bondsman; of age
22 Jan 1810
Stark TAYLOR m. Elizabeth MCCLANE
Wm. MCCLANE, Bondsman, Wm. GUILLIAM, bondsman, James MCCLANE, father
3 Feb 1812
William GILLIAM m. Susan HERNDON
George S. HERNDON, bondsman, Wm. B. STUFFLEFIELD, wit; Susannah B. HERNDON, mother
27 Mar 1812
Benjamin TAYLOR m. Theodocia PAYNE
Nathan PAYNE, bondsmand, Henry PAYNE, father, John ALLEN, witness
10 Jan 1814
William SHIELDS m. Elizabeth GUILLIAM
Wm. GUILLIAM, bondsman; Polly GUILLIAM, mother; James SHIELDS, witness
20 Sep 1814
William TAYLOR m. Elizabeth HUSTON
William ESSEX, JR, bondsmand, Wm. HUSTON, Father
26 Nov 1814
Hugh PEEL m. Nancy TAYLOR
Stark TAYLOR, bondsman, Hannah TAYLOR, mother, Joseph TAYLOR, witness
Taxes
Wills
Will of Stark Gilliam
Presented 1809
Noncupative Will of Starke Gilliam, sworn statement signed by Thomas Gilliam, David McCoy, Edward Payne, Ellen Payne and Nancy Barnes, stating that they were in the room where the dec lay sick on Apr 20th last, and that the dec expressed the belief that he would die and that he desired to settle his affairs and dispose of his estate before his death, and that there was no person present he had chosen to write his will, inquired who was in the room, and made the statements that each of his children was to have a negro of equal value when the children come of age or when married. Subscribers understood from him that the negroes he mentioned were his young ones. Each of the children were to have a horse called theirs at this time. His son, and dau Nancy Gilliam, each to have a saddle. The decedent wanted Mr. Henry Payne to exchange his negro man Allen for other negroes. The rest of the estate should remain for the decedent's wife for her support and the support of his children and that it should be kept together and not sold. Subscribers stated the decedent was fully in his senses at the time.
May (blank) 1809
Recorded May court 1809
The noncupative will of Stark Gilliam, dec'd was produced, and proved by the oaths of Thomas Gilliam, David McCoy, Ellen Payne, Edward Payne, Jr., and Nancy Barnes subscribing witnesses thereto, and was ordered to be recorded, it appearing that the widow and next of kin being present, and giving their consent. On motion of Polly Gilliam, administration is granted her, she taking the oaths and entering into bond with Thomas Gilliam, David McCoy and Andrew Armstrong her securities in the penal sum of $5,000.
Fayette County, KY, Will Book B, Page 16, page 147
Will Records of Fayette County, Kentucky 1794-1818
Sources
- Fayette. Tax Records 1787–1797, 1799–1804
- Fayette. Tax Records 1787–1804
- Fayette County, KY, Will Book B, Page 16, page 147
- Will Records of Fayette County, Kentucky 1794-1818